The RFL Laws Committee has elected not to outlaw shoulder charges for domestic competitions until the Rugby League International Federation concludes its own consultation on the use of the technique.

The NRL in Australia has banned the shoulder charge from 2013 but the technique remains legal under International Rules and will continue to be allowed in all RFL-run competitions, including the Super League, Championships, Challenge Cup and community leagues, pending the completion of the RLIF consultation process.

RFL Laws Committee Secretary Blake Solly said: “The RFL Laws Committee has renewed its commitment to standardising the laws of the game across all nations and competitions wherever possible, and noted that this process is underway within the RLIF at the moment.

“The RLIF has proposed standardising a number of the laws of the game, including the use of the shoulder charge, and we are in the process of responding to these proposals. We believe that this process is an important way of reducing the number of differences in the laws across the various nations and enhancing the credibility of the sport.

“To that extent we will assist the RLIF as they discuss the topic in coming months and will support any decision they make.”

The decision not to outlaw the shoulder charge at this stage follows extensive consultation with Rugby League players, clubs and coaches in this country“Having concluded our own consultation with players, clubs and coaches, the Laws Committee have considered the key findings of both the Australian Rugby League Commission’s recent report and the consultation process,” added Solly.

“A decision was reached not to outlaw the shoulder charge for competitions at this stage but to await the outcome of the RLIF's consultation.

"I would like to thank the players, coaches and clubs for their enthusiastic participation in the consultation."-ends-

John LedgerCommunications Manager

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt

the shoulder charge that looks like your trying to break a door should be banned......but the "shoulder charge" where the defender has wrapped his arms around the ball carrier...is perfectly fine...and part of the game imo

the shoulder charge that looks like your trying to break a door should be banned......but the "shoulder charge" where the defender has wrapped his arms around the ball carrier...is perfectly fine...and part of the game imo

There was also an approval of the amended rules that provides a definition of the outlawed shoulder charge tackle which states: ''Where a defender, without attempting to tackle, grab or hold the ball-carrier [or any opposing player] using the arms or hands, makes direct physical contact using the shoulder or the upper arm [tucked into the side].''

I applaud the RFL for trying to standardise the laws of the game world wide and for working through the RLIF. Now if we can persuade the Australians that they are not supreme rulers of the game and the laws are there for them to change as they see fit without consultation and approval from the RLIF,then we might be on a winner.

I like the rfl attitude towards the rlif but any attempt to standardise the rules that doesn't just copy nrl rules will be ignored by the Aussies.

PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF http://www.rugbyleaguecares.org/ and http://www.walesrugb...-wales-for-2013Predictions for the future -Crusaders RL to get a franchise for 2012 onwards -WRONGWidnes Vikings also to get a franchise - RIGHTCrusaders RL to do the double over Widnes and finish five places ahead of them -WRONGWidnes Vikings NOT to dominate rugby league in years to come! STILL TO COME

the shoulder charge that looks like your trying to break a door should be banned......but the "shoulder charge" where the defender has wrapped his arms around the ball carrier...is perfectly fine...and part of the game imo

the shoulder charge that looks like your trying to break a door should be banned......but the "shoulder charge" where the defender has wrapped his arms around the ball carrier...is perfectly fine...and part of the game imo